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Their view: Trump sheds supporters like no other

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Police: Concrete slab may hold remains of long-missing Northumberland Co. woman

<p>On Aug. 22, I made a motion during the voting session of the Luzerne County Council to initiate the investigative powers of council, as provided in Section 2.09 B9 of the Luzerne County Home Rule Charter.</p><p>The council majority did not support my motion. This is serious because the events leading to the deaths of three LCCF female inmates are not known.</p><p>Are these women victims of an efficient medical department within LCCF? None of these women were under any suicide prevention protocol, which was admitted by Warden Rockovich.</p><p>Times Leader reporter Jennifer Andes wrote: &#8221; Two of the three recent deaths were ruled suicides. The county coroner&#8217;s office concluded inmates Brooke Griesing and Tricia Cooper died from asphyxiation due to hangings that occurred June 8 and July 25, respectively. The death of Joan Rosengrant on July 7 was ruled accidental; it was caused by the combined affect of prescription drugs complicated by her unspecified physical condition.&#8221;</p><p>A formal investigation must be conducted. The district attorney serves on the County Manager&#8217;s Prison Task Force.</p><p>She has a conflict of interest.</p><p>Recently, a handwritten, seven-page letter was sent to council, giving reference to the lack of involvement of psychiatrists in the facility, lack of contact with the inmate&#8217;s treating physician and the inadequate screening of inmates after being booked.</p><p>Council cannot ignore it.</p><p>Time and tide waits for no one.</p><p>Testimony given under oath would reveal the truth and guide corrective action within LCCF.</p><p>There are members serving on council so close to the administration that they walk with their eyes closed.</p><p>Does Council need another tragic incident to open the majority&#8217;s eyes ?</p><p>It was stated my motion was premature by some members. I say, we cannot wait and sit on it.</p><p><strong>Kathy Dobash</strong></p><p>Luzerne County councilwoman</p><style>
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Your view: Investigation into prison deaths needed